Fitbit To Users With Irritated Skin: "Take A Break" Until It Heals

Fitbit is no stranger to skin irritation complaints. Last year, the company recalled its Force fitness band following numerous skin irritation complaints. Those who wanted a replacement could get one, but the company maintained that only a small number of users had experienced the allergic reaction to the bands. That issue hasn't gone away, however, and users have complained of on-going irritation troubles. As a result, Fitbit isn't doing another recall — it is telling wearers to stop wearing it so much.

Reports of skin irritation began surfacing in early 2014, with users uploading pictures online showing red, inflamed flesh where the band resides. Those complaints still stand, and Fitbit has responded telling users to "take a break" from wearing the device until the skin heals.

In a statement to Re/code, a Fitbit spokesperson said:

We continue to be aware of a very limited percentage of users reporting skin irritation among our users. According to our consulting dermatologists, they are likely from wearing the band too tight; sweat, water, or soap being held against the skin under the device; or from pressure or friction against the skin.

Of course, taking a break from wearing the fitness band would prove an inadequate solution for some — the entire point of having a fitness band is to get those sweet data metrics that are collected during your everyday life...while, you know, you're wearing it.

SOURCE: Re/code